The recent ammonia gas leak incident in the fishing hamlets of Chennai Ennore on December 26, 2023, followed by a subsequent protest by affected residents, highlights a pressing concern regarding industrial safety and the right to protest. After the leak, which led to the hospitalization of around 50 individuals and the evacuation of hundreds more, protestors gathered to demand the permanent closure of the facility responsible for the incident. However, on January 3, 2024, police registered FIRs against numerous protestors under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, sparking allegations of targeting individuals engaged in peaceful activism. This response raises questions about the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, particularly in contexts where communities are seeking redress for environmental and public health concerns.

The registration of FIRs against protestors, allegedly based on fabricated charges, constitutes an apparent reprisal against their legitimate activism for the right to live and pursue their livelihoods safely. Given the gravity of the situation and the potential infringement of human rights, urgent action is required. We appeal for suo moto action  by invoking  of Section 12 (a) of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, urging the National Human Rights Commission to initiate a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.